A total of $38,500 was raised Monday, August 6th, at the 31st annual Camden Clark Foundation Charity Golf Classic at the Parkersburg Country Club.

Proceeds will benefit the Camden Clark Emergency Service/Trauma Fund. This fundraiser assists first responders with safety and educational opportunities.

They service a 40-mile radius area in 12 counties, said Kim Couch, executive director of the Camden Clark Foundation.

“When you get out into the area you want to have the best technology because sometimes our EMTs are actually the first on scene,” said Couch. The Camden Clark Medical Center wants to be sure its EMTs are safe and that the emergency room personnel are trained in the latest emergency medical care, she said.

Money from the golf tournament will provide for technology upgrades, educational opportunities and safety equipment.

The golf balls closest to the pin won prizes. (Photo by Dominic Catacora)

Over 100 golfers competed in the classic and many others sponsored a golf ball in the golf ball drop. The winning golf team was Roby Blascyk, Nathan Fluharty, Jeremiah Kuhn and Brett Fluharty.

“There’s almost a full field here which would be 144 golfers,” said Couch.

Throughout the event tickets for the golf ball drop were sold as donations and for a chance to win $2,500 and other prizes. As the golfers finished playing, a helicopter flew over the course and dropped golf balls. The golf balls closest to the pin won prizes.

“We try to keep it fun and interesting and we try to have a good day,” said Couch. “We are so fortunate to have our vendors, patrons and donors. They come back year after year because they believe in the mission of Camden Clark and they really want to support WVU Medicine here in our community.”